Trump Administration Seeks Control of Ukraine's Energy, Minerals, Infrastructure

The Trump administration has proposed a new, more expansive minerals deal with Ukraine, aiming to control all major future infrastructure and mineral investments in the country. This proposal includes the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund controlling Ukraine’s critical minerals, energy assets, and related infrastructure. The draft agreement, sent to Kyiv, outlines that the US will have control over Ukraine’s natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and other hydrocarbons, as well as infrastructure such as roads, rail, pipelines, ports, and refineries.

Senior Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns that this proposal could undermine the country's sovereignty and increase its dependence on the US. The draft agreement notably lacks any security guarantees for Ukraine, a point of contention for Kyiv. The proposal marks a significant escalation from previous demands, which focused on raw minerals and did not include energy assets or infrastructure.

The Trump administration's push for this deal comes amid ongoing tensions with Russia and efforts to end the three-year war. The US President has suggested that the US could take ownership of Ukraine's nuclear power plants to protect the country against further Russian attacks. This proposal has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the potential for Russia to exploit the situation.

The US and Russia have found common ground on peace agreements, while tensions with Ukraine continue to deepen. The White House has stated that the US and Russia have agreed to ensure safe navigation and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea. This deal also includes a ban on air strikes against energy facilities in both countries as part of a wider ceasefire effort.

The latest proposal from the Trump administration represents a significant escalation in US demands on Ukraine. The administration is seeking control over all of Kyiv's critical energy and mineral resources, as well as related infrastructure. This proposal has raised concerns about Ukraine's sovereignty and its dependence on the US, as well as the potential for Russia to exploit the situation. The US and Russia have found common ground on peace agreements, while tensions with Ukraine continue to deepen.